At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for residents in a fast-paced environment while ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join Care & Custody, a leading provider of public services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, free meals, gym access, and discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided on pay, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your people skills and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 32848 - 32848 £ per year.
Care & Custody will be holding assessment centres on the following dates: 20 & 21 of May 2026, 02 & 03 of June 2026.
Salary: £32,848.40 per annum, 40 hours per week.
- Pension
- Life insurance
- Free meals on duty
- Free onsite parking
- Uniform provided
- Free gym use
- Retail and restaurant discount vouchers
No experience necessary; full training given on full pay.
Are you looking for a new role where you can genuinely make a difference to people's lives? Care & Custody is one of the leading providers of outsourced public services in the UK. We're looking for respectful, diligent and caring people to join our team of Detention Custody Officers (DCO). Specialising in custodial management services, we are responsible for managing Europe's largest Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), just outside Heathrow in UB7 0HB. We care for up to 1200 immigration residents providing custody services, welfare, regime and recreational activity.
The Role: Our DCOs work with extraordinary courage and resilience, keeping those in our care safe and secure. You will be joining a team whose job security is high based on delivering essential public services through this critical role. Working as a DCO within our team will provide you with the opportunity to maintain high standards of security and safety whilst promoting the welfare and decency of residents staying at our immigration removal centre. This is a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. As you gain experience within this challenging role, we'll support you throughout your time to grow and develop.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (shift work covering days and nights). Flexibility will be needed to work a mixture of short and long day shifts. The centre is operational 24/7/365 and your rolling roster covering 51 weeks will help you plan your work/life balance.
You must be eligible to obtain CTC clearance, which means you hold a valid UK passport, or EU passport with Share Code, or have ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from a Commonwealth country. You have lived and worked in the UK for 3 years with no extended (more than 3 months) trips overseas, have no criminal conviction or be part of an ongoing police investigation.
Who we’re looking for: Being a DCO demands people skills, patience, resilience, and professionalism to handle an ever-changing day. Those in our care come from a variety of backgrounds and you will need communication skills to support colleagues, work together and deliver an exceptional service to our residents. Previous experience of sensitively dealing with a variety of people who have been agitated, confused or angry would be an advantage.
Training (Initial Training Course): Once you have passed our selection and vetting process, you'll begin your Care and Custody career by undertaking our 5-week initial training course. Training is paid and is the first day of employment.
Specific Requirements: Please note that all offers of employment are subject to security clearance and enhanced background checks.
Benefits: Continued personal development with full support given to enhance your career. Ability to achieve a work/life balance. A benefits package including pension, private medical cover, share and MiDeals discount schemes with over 3000 offers available from your favourite retailers, leisure, and utilities companies. Free meals during working hours in addition to use of the IRC's fully equipped gym, free parking is also provided.
Detention Custody Officer - HIRC in London employer: Mitie Group plc.
Care & Custody is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training from day one, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes pension contributions, free meals, gym access, and discounts at various retailers. Our supportive work culture fosters resilience and teamwork, ensuring that you can thrive in a dynamic environment while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer - HIRC in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role! Research what a Detention Custody Officer does and understand the environment at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute during your assessment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role requires patience and communication, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. It’ll help you feel more prepared to handle various situations you might encounter.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and approachable for your assessment. It shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the values of Care & Custody.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It makes it easier for us to track your progress and get you into the assessment centre as soon as possible!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer - HIRC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for making a difference in people's lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Detention Custody Officer role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse situations and communicate effectively with others.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our assessment centres there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie Group plc.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before heading to the assessment centre, make sure you understand what being a Detention Custody Officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as maintaining safety and security, and promoting the welfare of residents. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a DCO, you'll be working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, often in challenging situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience, resilience, and effective communication. This will highlight your ability to handle difficult scenarios and connect with people.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since no prior experience is necessary, it's crucial to express your eagerness to learn during the interview. Talk about your adaptability and how you're ready to embrace the full training provided. This shows that you're committed to growing within the role and contributing positively to the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think through potential situations you might encounter as a DCO and how you would respond. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
